Mack Harrell

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Mack Harrell
Birth nameMack Kendree Harrell, Jr.
Born(1909-10-09)October 9, 1909
Opera singer, music educator
Instrument(s)Baritone (voice), Violin
Years active1938–1960

Mack Kendree Harrell, Jr. (October 8, 1909 — January 29, 1960)[1] was an American operatic and concert baritone vocalist who was regarded as one of the greatest American-born lieder singers of his generation.[2]

Growing up

Harrell was born in

The University of Texas at Austin in the 1920s.[3]

Post baccalaureate education

Harrell studied the violin at

Harrell believed that his experience of musical studies as a violinist first made him a better singer than he might have been otherwise.

In 1939, Harrell's book, The Sacred Hour of Song: A Collection of Sacred Solos Suitable for Christian Science Services, was published by C. Fischer.[1][5]

Professional career

Harrell made his concert debut at

Hänsel und Gretel, Shchelkalov in Boris Godunov
, and Wolfram in Tannhäuser among others.

He notably created the role of Samson in the world premiere of

The Rake’s Progress for the work's US premiere at the Met in February 1953. After 1954, Harrell returned to the Met only one more time during his career to portray Jochanaan in Richard Strauss's Salome in 1958. His final and 156th performance at the Met was as Jochanaan on February 17, 1958, with Inge Borkh as Salome.[6]

While performing at the Met, Harrell also maintained an active concert career, and in 1944 he gave the world premiere of

La Traviata, and returned in 1948, 1951–1952, and 1959. At the NYCO he notably portrayed the role of Rabbi Azrael in the world premiere of David Tamkin's The Dybbuk (1951) and Pierre Cauchon in the premiere of the one act version of Norman Dello Joio's The Triumph of St. Joan (1959). In September 1945 Harrell made his debut with the San Francisco Opera portraying Escamillo in Carmen. He sang several more roles with that company during the 1945–1946 season, including the Commissioner in Der Rosenkavalier, Dapertutto in Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Fernando in Fidelio, Germont, Marcello in La bohème, Ramiro in L'heure espagnole, and Silvio in Pagliacci among others.[7] In 1952 he portrayed Christopher Columbus in the United States premiere of Darius Milhaud's Christophe Colomb at Carnegie Hall. In 1955, he portrayed Olin Blitch in the world premiere of Carlisle Floyd's Susannah at Florida State University opposite Phyllis Curtin in the title role. In 1956 he played the role of Saul in the United States premiere of Milhaud's David at the Hollywood Bowl, opposite Herva Nelli
.

In 1944 his son, the celebrated cellist

The Juilliard School and from 1957 to 1960 he taught at Southern Methodist University, after moving to Dallas.[9] In 1954 he succeeded Walter Paepcke as the second director of the Aspen Music Festival and School, a position he held until his death in 1960; Harrell had been one of the founders of Aspen.[10][9] His pupils included singers William Blankenship, Michael Trimble, and Barry McDaniel. Harrell died in Dallas
, aged 50.

References

General citations

  1. Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians
    6th edition, rev. by
    H.W. Wilson Company
    , New York
    Volume 2:, August 1949–August 1952 (1953)
    Volume 3: September 1952–August 1955 (1956)
    Volume 4: September 1955–August 1958 (1960)
    Volume 5: September 1958–August 1961 (1962)
    Volume 10: September 1973–August 1976 (1977)
  2. The Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia: A comprehensive guide to the world of opera, ed. by David Hamilton,
    Facts on File
    , New York (1979)

Inline citations